NWSL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: SAMANTHA KERR

Samantha Kerr Named NWSL Player of the Week

Sam Kerr of Sky Blue FC has received NWSL Player of the Week honors as the Australian international continues her stellar form during the 2017 campaign. This marks the third time that Kerr has been honored as the NWSL Player of the Week and the seventh time that a Sky Blue FC player has won the award.

NWSL Soccer News: The awards continue to come for Sky Blue FC forward Sam Kerr who was named the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week following a two-goal and one assist performance this past Saturday during Week 9 action.

“We are delighted for Sam as she takes another step in her development,” said Christy Holly, Sky Blue FC head coach. “Sam continues to add different facets to her game and pushes herself to become one of the most respected strikers in the world game. We are very happy to see her receive this acknowledgement, and we as a team will keep pushing her and supporting her to become an even better version of herself.”

Photo Credit: Sam Ortega/ISI Photos

Kerr played an immediate role in giving her side the advantage on Saturday, first assisting on a Raquel Rodriguez goal 25 seconds into the game that goes down as the fastest goal in NWSL history. Kerr gathered a rebound on the right side of the penalty box before turning and playing a roller to Rodriguez. The Costa Rica international struck her shot past Portland goalkeeper Adrianna Franch.

Sky Blue FC extended its lead to 2-0 on a brilliant display by Kerr in the 70th minute. U.S. international Kelley O’Hara cleared a ball that met Maya Hayes at midfield. Hayes played the ball forward to Kerr who sped into a 1v1 attack with Franch. Kerr then touched the ball around Franch before calmly slotting home her shot into the back of the net.

In the 88th minute, Sky Blue FC stretched its lead to three goals as Madison Tiernan sent a ball towards Kerr in the final third, causing Franch to come off her line. Kerr flicked the ball past Franch before sending in a roller into the net.

Kerr, who was named the NWSL Player of the Month in May, now has four goals and three assists in 2017. The two goals on Saturday place her at 15 goals in a Sky Blue FC uniform, which breaks the club’s all-time franchise record for most goals scored. For her career, Kerr now has 30 goals, which is the second-highest mark among active NWSL players.

Next up for Sky Blue FC is a road contest with the Chicago Red Stars this Sunday at 6:00 p.m ET. The New Jersey club will then return home to Yurcak Field on Wednesday, June 28, hosting the Orlando Pride for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Auger Photography

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Chris Rael is a reporter for GoalNation and covers youth and adult soccer.
A multimedia artist whose hobbies include camping, traveling and playing football as much as possible. Chris is based in Rotterdam, Netherlands.